Woman secures believe housing position after trainee scheme
Amy Mooney, who grew up in a social housing property in Newcastle, has become the first graduate of believe housing’s Board Trainee Programme to secure a board position.
She has now joined the board of believe housing, one of the largest housing associations in the North East and the organisation that launched the scheme.
Ms Mooney said: “My dad worked in factories and was out of work at times, but we always had that stable home.
“Mam retrained as a nurse, and dad eventually got a good job.
“I didn’t realise it as a child, but that house was a springboard — it gave us security and enabled my parents to progress.”
Believe housing’s two-year programme, which concluded in December, was designed to increase the diversity of non-executive directors across the social housing and third sectors.
Ms Mooney, now an entrepreneur in the renewable energy sector, discovered the scheme while exploring how social housing could play a role in the UK’s green transition.
She said: “It was a brilliant opportunity to learn more.
“The programme was built around us — shaped to give us the knowledge, skills, and experience we needed to contribute to boards.”
Her appointment came just three months after completing the scheme.
Ms Mooney said: “I would never have been able to apply or secure a role like this without the opportunity to take part in the Board Trainee Programme.
“I strongly believe that a safe, secure, warm home is the foundation of everything and I’m over the moon to join the board at Believe Housing.
“Every decision we make as a board affects real lives.
“Behind every number on a spreadsheet is a person or family. I’ll always keep that in mind.”
Alan Smith, chief executive at Believe Housing, said: “We’re incredibly proud of Amy and all our board trainees.
“The programme was designed to break down barriers and support people from diverse backgrounds to gain the skills and experience needed to thrive in boardroom roles — benefiting them both personally and professionally.
“From the outset, we hoped some would go on to enrich boards of the future — whether here at Believe Housing or with another housing provider or charity — and Amy’s appointment is a clear sign of the programme’s success.”